All experienced travelers have ever arrived at an airport for the first time and taken their first flight. At first glance, everything at the airport may seem confusing and unclear, but don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it seems, and after a while, it will become as easy as creating a 22Bet login or cooking your favorite meal. Let’s find out what awaits you at the airport and give you some tips to make sure you’re ready for your first flight.
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Arriving at the Airport Well in Advance
The first thing we advise is to arrive at the airport well in advance so that you have time to do everything without rushing, so you understand everything at the airport and don’t get stressed. If you are flying inside the country for the first time, it’s better to arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight departure time as indicated on the ticket, and if you are flying abroad – 3 hours before departure.
Note that in the high season, for example in summer or on holidays, there are longer lines at the airport, and in low season you can arrive in 1-1,5 hours and get through everything quickly.
Check-in
If the airline provides an online check-in option, you better take advantage of it, it will save you time at the check-in counters at the airport.
And if you’re only flying with hand luggage, you can check in online, print your boarding pass before you arrive at the airport, and go straight to the pre-flight check-in without going to the check-in desks.
You can find the number of required check-in desks on the departure board. If there are no desk numbers on the board yet: blank field or written – it means that check-in will start on schedule and you got to the airport in advance.
If the scoreboard says the flight is delayed and a new departure time, the check-in time will also start at a different time. If your flight is delayed by over 2 hours, it’s recommended that you ask your airline representative at the airport to tell you what to do.
Also when you arrive at the airport you may see on the board that your flight is canceled. The airlines usually warn their passengers well in advance about delays and cancellations, but if you find out at the airport you should definitely ask your airline representative to help you and they will tell you what to do and possibly get you on the next flight.
Baggage Allowance
Before leaving for the airport, be sure to check what is included in the fare you are flying so that you know what to take with you: baggage or hand luggage only.
Different airlines have different baggage and carry-on baggage allowances in terms of size and weight, so it is a good idea to check the website of the airline you are flying with in advance to make sure you do not run into any trouble at the airport. If you fly with luggage you should check it in at the check-in counter, but your hand luggage can be taken on the plane.
In some airlines, the dimensions of hand luggage allow carrying a small suitcase, as long as it’s not over 10kg. And on the contrary in low-cost airlines, you can take with you on the plane only a small backpack or bag.
Preflight Check
After checking in you can proceed to the preflight check-in. Here you need to go through the metal detector, and also your hand luggage (and sometimes even your outer clothing and shoes) will be checked through a scanner for items that should not be taken through the security checkpoint.
Such items include: all liquids in bottles and jars of more than 100 ml (except for baby food), sharp/cutting/stabbing items, weapons of any type and items imitating them, work tools. This is the main list of prohibited items to carry in your hand luggage; you can find even more on the website of the airline you’re flying.
If you want to carry some liquids like shampoo in your hand luggage you may buy a travel kit with all jars of 100 ml and smaller in advance to take it with you safely.
Departure Area
After passing through security you enter the departure area. Here you can have a cup of coffee before the flight or buy water and something to eat on the way. The main thing is to keep track of your departure time so you can be at your gate in time so as not to miss your boarding. Your departure gate number is usually written on your boarding pass or you can check it at the boarding gate. The boarding start time can also be found on the scoreboard, and the boarding pass has the end time, so don’t get it mixed up.